About Mrs. Rachael & The Start of West Main Studios

In the fall of 1995 West Main Studios opened its doors for the first time in Cullman, Alabama. Owner and Artistic Director, Rachael Smith Allison, began her dance training at age three with the Montgomery Civic Ballet. Rachael attended Agnes Scott College where she auditioned and was accepted into the Studio Dance Theatre, ASC's Semi-Professional Dance Company. This Company performed acclaimed Martha Graham choreographic masterpieces such as, "The Life of the Bee" and "Valse Caprice". Rachael has studied under Master Teachers such as Pilobolus Company, Meli Kaye (Doris Humphrey Company Member), Semi and David Roche (Pearl Lang and Principle Male Dancer respectively of the Martha Graham Company). Rachael has served on Dance Masters of America Chapter 33 Board as Solo Chairman, and currently serves as the Director of Education. Rachael is also a Certified National Tap Examiner through DMA. Most Recently, Rachael became a member of Dance Educators of America - a nationally known & respected organization of Dance Teachers.

Rachael also serves in the capacity of Artistic Director of WMS Company, and her dancers have placed in Regional and National Dance Competitions. Past seasons include WMS Company scoring technically over-all for several pieces and winning the most recent 1st Place in the Petite Solo Division.

West Main Studios offers a wide variety of genres that center around technique and the development of a strong, well rounded dancer. West Main Studios offers Master Classes periodically through the season, but is also extremely proud of our current faculty - Megan Cleland, Gene Fleming, Christina Strehle, & Panda Wagner. Each has studied extensively in their chosen field of dance by way of impressive schools, performance experience, and Master teachers. Go To Our Staff Page to Read their individual biographies : Falcuty & Staff WMS welcomes their expertise and their passion for the arts and strive to provide the best dance education in the area.

WMS is proud to offer and will continue to provide an atmosphere conducive for young dancers to learn respect and strong self-esteem, all while having fun learning great dance technique.

As always, it is an honor and privilege to teach all of those who choose West Main Studios as their dance home. WMS appreciates each and every one of you for your support and devotion.